Mediterranean Autumn Cruise: Malta to Spain

Arrival: early morning

Departure: late afternoon

With its rocky coastline, long sandy beaches, and the imposing presence of Mount Etna watching over the island, Sicily displays its natural beauty for all to see. Known by the ancient writer Cicero as the most beautiful city in the world, Syracuse was once a top city in Sicily and a strong rival to Athens. As one of the most powerful city-states of Ancient Greece, it was home to many different cultures that left their mark over time. The mix of Arabic, Roman, Norman, Byzantine, and Spanish building styles makes Syracuse incredibly rich in history, bright colors, and local flavors.

Included excursions: Archaeological site & Ortygia; Noto, Baroque Town

Arrival: early morning

Departure: early afternoon

Resting on Sicily's southwestern coast, Porto Empedocle takes its name from a famous ancient thinker who lived here in the 5th century BC. This historic seaside town is your gateway to the amazing Valley of the Temples, a major center of Greek history and a protected UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you can view the grand remains of ancient temples built for Zeus, Hera, and Hephaestus. Also enjoy the wonderful Italian countryside, filled with beautiful olive trees covering the rolling hills.

Included excursions: Valley of the Temples, Museum and Casa Barbadoro

Arrival: early morning

Departure: mid-afternoon

As a historic meeting point of different cultures, Tunisia's capital is full of amazing things to discover. The ruins of ancient Carthage are a protected UNESCO World Heritage site and stand as a reminder of a great city that once rivaled Rome. The Byrsa hill, which was once a strong fortress for the Phoenician port, offers wonderful views over the Gulf of Tunis. Inside the Bardo National Museum, you can view one of the best collections of Roman mosaics in the world, including a famous portrait of the poet Virgil.

Included excursions: Visit to ancient Carthage and Sidi Bou Saïd; Medina of Tunis and Sidi Bou Saïd.

Arrival: early morning

Departure: midday

Annaba is a lovely coastal town in eastern Algeria and the country's fourth-largest city. It holds many historic treasures, including the ancient ruins of the Roman city of Hippo Regius, which features Africa's largest Roman public square. From the Cap de Garde lighthouse, you will get a wonderful view of the mountains and the sea. The large Basilica of Saint Augustine, named after the famous 4th-century leader, looks over the city with its beautiful white dome. A nice walk along the lively coastal road will introduce you to this elegant town that has inspired many artists and writers.

Included excursions: Hippo Regius & Saint Augustine

Arrival: early morning

Departure: late afternoon

The beautiful Bay of Algiers gives travelers arriving by sea an unforgettable view. Traditional white houses step down toward grand French-style buildings, creating a unique atmosphere in this busy Mediterranean city. Known as Algiers the White, the city proudly shows its rich history through its famous old town, a protected UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also visit the local tropical garden, the grand Martyrs' Memorial, and the impressive Basilica of Our Lady of Africa. The active city center features the main post office and a lively historic district.

Included excursions: A glimpse of Algiers; Algiers uncovered

Arrival: midday

Departure: late afternoon

Surrounded by hills, the natural Bay of Cartagena has shaped the history of this old fortress town, home to some of Europe's greatest cultures. Today, the traces of Phoenician, Roman, Moorish, and Christian people create a wonderful collection of historic buildings. Its Roman theater is one of Spain's largest and best-preserved ancient sites. Beyond the city, you will see beautiful rolling landscapes filled with grapevines and citrus trees stretching toward the busy regional capital of Murcia. The surrounding countryside is also famous for its deep equestrian traditions, serving as home to beautiful local estates where purebred Spanish horses are still raised today.

Included excursions: Horses of Spain; Cartagena and Roman theater

Arrival: early morning

Departure: late afternoon

As a special Spanish city on the North African coast, Melilla and its old fortress sit on the edge of Cape Three Forks. Found between Morocco and the Mediterranean Sea, it offers amazing views of the bright blue water. A perfect mix of history and modern life, the city features charming stone streets, strong protective walls, and many interesting historic spots to visit. Moving away from its military past, you will also find beautiful curved buildings designed in the early 20th century. These structures were built in the Modernist style, heavily inspired by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. Because of this, Melilla boasts the second-largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture in Spain, right after Barcelona.

Included excursions: Old town Melilla; Modernist Melilla

Arrival: early morning

Departure: late afternoon

Located on the sunny shores of the Mediterranean, Motril holds a very special place on the Spanish Costa Tropical, a beautiful stretch of coastline in the southern province of Granada. Protected from cold northern winds by the mountains surrounding this beautiful Andalusian city, Motril enjoys a perfect, warm climate year-round. It is a wonderful place to experience the true spirit of southern Spain.